“Fragtime” is an anime that delves into the complexities of human relationships and the turmoil of adolescent emotions, wrapped in a supernatural element. The story revolves around Misuzu Moritani, a shy high school student who has the unique ability to stop time for three minutes each day. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she meets her classmate, Haruka Murakami, who, to her surprise, is unaffected by her time-stopping power.

The narrative unfolds as Moritani and Murakami embark on a series of encounters that deepen their relationship. Moritani initially uses her power to uncover secrets and explore her environment, but she soon realizes her growing desire for Murakami. The two share a kiss in a frozen moment, marking the start of their romantic relationship. However, as Moritani repeatedly uses her power, Murakami senses a growing distance between them, leading to tension in their relationship.

Throughout the story, both characters grapple with their insecurities and desires. Moritani struggles with her loneliness and the fear of losing Murakami, while Murakami faces her own issues of identity and a desire to be liked by everyone. Their relationship reaches a critical point when Moritani publicly reveals their relationship to confront Murakami’s tendency to wear a mask and hide her true self. This act causes Murakami to flee, but Moritani pursues her, leading to a confrontation where they both express their true feelings.

In the end, Moritani’s powers fade away, but this loss brings a newfound confidence and openness to her character. She and Murakami continue their relationship, finding solace in each other’s presence and support. The story concludes on a hopeful note, with both characters having grown and learned from their experiences together.

While “Fragtime” presents an intriguing premise and explores the themes of self-discovery and the complexities of human relationships, it has been critiqued for its execution. The anime reportedly suffers from a scattered narrative and inconsistent tone, with character traits and conflicts not fully explored or resolved. The original manga material seems to have been compressed into the OVA format, resulting in a narrative that feels rushed and lacking in depth. Additionally, the production values and animation have been described as underwhelming, failing to fully capture the potential of the story’s themes and emotional depth​​​​.

In summary, “Fragtime” is a story about discovery, growth, and the complexities of human emotions, set against a backdrop of supernatural ability. It highlights the journey of two characters as they navigate their feelings and insecurities, ultimately finding strength in their relationship. Despite its potential, the anime’s execution and narrative structure have been critiqued for not doing justice to the depth and complexity of its themes.